There are days when I’m completely convinced that this whole book thing is a fluke. Although I hear I’m not alone. It appears that if you’re a writer, then you’re very familiar with this thing called a self-sabatoging lack of belief. It’s what we do–it’s inescapable–just part of how we operate. The majority of the time I’m just mucking around in my manuscript, trying to see if the thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone and if they get together will it be an interesting interaction.
This is particularly stressful at the end of a first draft, when the pressure is on and I can’t see how all these bones are going to form into something that can hold it’s own weight. Some days it feels like the parts are never going to end up in the right places, let alone be engineered for movement. But…
There is this magical moment when something happens and my brain starts acting like it’s had this amazing plan all along and–lucky me–now it’s finally letting me in on it. And that’s when I realize that my subconscious is a heck of a lot smarter than I usually give her credit for. Smart enough to help me write a great book, but also smart enough to realize that the book is a journey–a personal puzzle. Things mean more when you have to fight for them–when you run the risk of failure. But when the light comes one, those illuminated moments give me chills. And that feeling is worth working for and waiting for.
I know that the rug will be pulled out from beneath my feet again soon. Crit partner, agent, editor–they will take my “finished” masterpiece and search for holes and point out dead ends. It won’t be long before I’ll be talking non-stop about my incompetence and my utter lack of writing talent. That’s why I wanted to write myself this blog–as a reminder that those magic moments will come again. Think of this post as a ribbon wrapped around my finger, reminding me that I am the sum of my parts and some of my parts aren’t so bad. I’ve got good bones in me and I know what to do with them if I give myself the chance.
What’s your worst fear about your writing? What’s your magic moment–the one when you know that you are doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing?
Just like my Freaky Friday Interviews of aspiring authors, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole world of YA bloggers just starting out. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these newbie bloggers because-lets face it-bloggers are freaky book lovers too and we should all work together in our quest to take over the world one YA book at a time.
Today’s baby book blogger is Nikki Wang of the FICTION FREAK. Nikki and I met online and I think you’re going to love her…so lets get to this interview!
Could you tell me a little about you and how you came to be a blogger?
A little about me…well, I absolutely love reading, obviously, and my obsession with books got me into a lot of trouble both in, and out of, school.
Honestly, I became a blogger because it was midnight and I was dead bored. I always loved reading reviews and decided to see if I could write one. So I made a blog! I hadnt thought at all where it would lead. I just knew that I liked reading and loved recommending books! To think I have over 100 followers is mind-blowing!
Yay for you!!! I burnt out a lot of flashlights reading under the covers as a kid. I’m still doing it LOL! Who has had an influence on you in the blogging community. What have they taught you? Who do you look up to?
Most of the blogs I follow definitely helped. They would post tips or they would just write a few awesome reviews! The Story Siren, All Things Urban Fantasy, and Fiktshun are a few. They taught me to never give up, and to keep posting even when no one would even glance at my posts! A few other bloggers gave me tips on how to promote my blog and get ARCs too! I’m thankful to all of them. I also look up to Alexandra Adornetto and because she published her books at 16! I write a little on the side, so she’s definitely one of my role models.
There is so much great blog info out there–shared by amazing book bloggers. I’m constantly reading it and trying to improve myself. What advice would you give new book bloggers? Is there any big mistakes you’ve made that they should avoid?
Never give up, eventually someone will stumble across your blog and tell others! Post daily, if people know you’re persistent, they’ll keep checking back for sure. One more thing: always make a few blogger friends. I’ve found that they’re some of the best friends you can ask for! The biggest mistake was abandoning my blog. I did give up, I’m afraid. Thankfully I picked it back up and started again!
I can sympathize–there were days I just wasn’t sure anyone was reading what I was posting. So glad you’ve stuck with it!!! What do you want to see from author/blogger relationships and interactions, considering they are always growing and changing?
I’d love to see bloggers and authors have more understanding. I’ve heard of bloggers writing reviews full of hatred for a book just because the book wasn’t for their taste. Authors try hard to please readers and getting shot down is just horrible. On the other hand some authors demand reviews to be taken down even if a review was more neutral than negative. You can’t please everyone. People do have different opinions, after all. But I do know that most bloggers and authors are creating more friendships than loathing, and that’s wonderful!
I can’t agree enough. Bloggers and authors are amazing people, but I believe that when we work together we’re unstoppable. Your top 5 most loved books that have had an impact on you and why?
In no particular order–
1. Iron Fey Series- this series was actually one of the first books that made me like reading! I never read much but this series changed my view. Not to mentiion it introduced me to fey which are my absolute favorite creatures now.
2. Where it Began- Where it Began made me realized that not all lives were picture perfect no matter how much people wanted you to think so. People crave what they think is best, and that desire clouds our judgement. This was only a few months ago!
3. Divergent- Divergent showed me how our choices affect everything; how we act is our own decision, and differences are what makes us us. This too, was one of the first dystopian books I’ve read. It was definitely a great start to my dystopian reading.
4. Before I Fall- This was THE book for me. Some people are all looks no substance, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change. Second chances are hard to come by, take it when you can and make your own choices. So many Zen lessons in this book! I adored it!
5. Percy Jackson series- Lightning Thief was the first book I bought and got me addicted to mythology, whether it was Norse, Greek, or Urban. That addiction led me to finding so many other great books!
Some of my favorites and some to put on my TBR list. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your experiences. I really enjoyed chatting with you. You can find out more about Nikki Wang aka the FICTION FREAK here…
After over a week of having sick and whiny kids home with the flu, I’m all to aware of how daunting the job can be some days. This video reminds me of why I love it, no matter how hard it can get at times…
It’s time for the 2nd YAmazing Race with MGnificent prizes!!!!
The YAmazing Race is a crazy, whirlwind, Apocalypsie blog hop featuring over 50 debut authors and prize packs featuring ARCs, Pre-orders, gift certificates, swag, and more! If you haven’t yet been to the Apocalypsies website, please click HERE to start from the beginning and read the complete rules. (FYI–There have been a couple small changes since the first race to make the race even easier to run. Yay!!!) Although my post is up and ready to go, REMEMBER THAT THE RACE DOESN’T OFFICIALLY BEGIN UNTIL WEDNESDAY 5/2 at NOON-EST!
Now on to the race! (Read carefully, your clue is in the synopsis.)
TOUCHING THE SURFACE By: Kimberly Sabatini
October 30, 2012
Simon Pulse – Simon and Schuster
Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…
When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.
As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.
Before I get to my “Road Block” *giggle* I thought I’d share my cover proof with you…
Okay–it’s time for your Road Block, but I won’t make it too hard because I know you’re on your way to the next Pitstop. If you decide to stop and play, you have the opportunity to win a Pre-order of TOUCHING THE SURFACE (Sorry I don’t have any ARCs–they locked them all away because they know I’d give them out in about 30 seconds LOL! All requests for ARCs must be placed through Simon Pulse.) Of course when I send the winner their pre-order confirmation information–I’ll be throwing in some swag. Don’t forget to make sure that your comment has a viable email contact included. (You can’t win if I can’t reach you.) And yes, this contest is open internationally.
So, your question is…
WHAT IS IT ABOUT TOUCHING THE SURFACE THAT INTRIGUES YOU THE MOST? It can be the cover, the synopsis, or even how the story line or characters relate to something in your own life. I’m just curious to know what makes you curious about my book.
Lastly, don’t forget to get your next clue…You’re off to see Shelley Coriell debut author of WELCOME CALLER, THIS IS CHLOE. What are you waiting for…GO!!!!!
I have another Class of 2k12 preview for you!!!! INNOCENT DARKNESS by Suzanne Lazear is a Steampunk Faerie Tale, but if you’re anything like me, you might not really know exactly what steampunk is. To help you out, I’ve grabbed Lazear’s explanation straight from her website to get us started.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk. You hear the term more and more. But, what is exactly Steampunk, other
than an excuse for people to wear bustles and brass goggles?
I commonly describe Steampunk as “Jules Verne on Crack” – which I’m sure would
make my high school English teacher sigh in despair. Steampunk is imagining a world
where steam and natural gas, not coal and electricity, are still the primary power
sources, yet technology continues to advance. It’s a world abounding with airships,
gas lamps, gears, cogs, and brass goggles and populated with mad scientists,
philosophers, adventurers, brass robots, and air pirates.Steampunk stories can be set in the past, in the future, or on another planet. They
don’t even have to be Victorian. The Wild West is a very popular place for
Steampunk and I’ve even been hearing about Steampunk set in the Regency Era.
Steampunk transcends genres, creating genre-blending and bending at its finest.
Steampunk stories can be dark or light and funny, scary or romantic, for kids or
adults, they can even feature the supernatural or paranormal elements.
It’s in the setting, the gadgets, and the characters–who could speak like Victorian
ladies or fast-talking American teenagers. Steampunk characters often desire to make
the world a better place in some way shape or form–even if it’s by blowing up
parliament. Their adventures are often about figuring out where they fit even if it’s
means bucking the system.
With Steampunk, anything is possible. Steampunk offers an opportunity to be creative
and make amazing worlds ranging from gritty to opulent.
But Steampunk doesn’t stop at writing. Steampunk can be found in comics and
movies (League of Extraordinary Gentleman, anyone?) music (Emilie Autumn is my
favorites), clothes (if you haven’t seen the boots at Clockwork Couture, you should),
and jewelry (I am partial to tiaras made of clockhands). There are entire Steampunk
online communities dedicated to making rayguns, writing Steampunk, and Steampunk
in general.
So, now that you know all about Steampunk are you ready to write?
Sixteen-year-old Noli Braddock’s hoyden ways land her in an abusive reform school far from home. On mid-summer’s eve she wishes to be anyplace but that dreadful school. A mysterious man from the Realm of Faerie rescues her and brings her to the Otherworld, only to reveal that she must be sacrificed, otherwise, the entire Otherworld civilization will perish.
INNOCENT DARKNESS is available for Pre-order here…
Recently I went to a writer’s conference where everyone was debating what the “next big thing” in YA literature was going to be. Some people argued that contemporary is on the rise and it was also suggested that steampunk has yet to see it’s day. But what everyone seemed to think was the most probable was a mash-up of some of our perennial favorite genres–a blending of some of our best loved reads. The first thing that came to mind when I heard this was INNOCENT DARKNESS–a steampunk faerie tale. Now, I have to admit that this was my first foray into steampunk and I found it to be very interesting, but what I loved the most was how creative Lazear got with this story. It was very clear that she has her finger on the pulse of this new type hybrid. It is also obvious that INNOCENT DARKNESS is a mix of topics that Lazear really loves and feels passionately about. Steampunk meets the fae is just fun. I can’t wait for the next installment to see what happens. Oh–and Dollymop is my new favorite word!
Suzanne Lazear’s young adult steampunk dark fairytale, INNOCENT DARKNESS, book 1 of The Aether Chronicles, will be released from Flux in August of 2012. Suzanne lives in Southern California with her daughter, the hubby, and a hermit crab, where she’s currently attempting to make a raygun to match her ballgown. She’s also part of the Steampunk group blog Steamed.
You can find out more about Suzanne Lazear and INNOCENT DARKNESS here…
